Platini will "punish" Man City striker Balotelli if he walks off Euros pitch to protest racist abuse

UEFA president Michel Platini is ready to "punish" Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli if he walks off the pitch during the Euros over racist abuse.

The new UEFA directives have urged referees to stop games if they hear racist abuse from the stands, but Platini admits it is still down to the officials.

On Italy international Balotelli's claims, Platini barked: "We are talking about a phenomenon that exists not only in football, but in all of society. Our job is to stop it and to do so we have created apposite measures.

"Balotelli said he'd walk off the field if he was insulted? It's not up to him to decide, but rather the referee. The officials must stick to the rules, which include the option to suspend the match. If Balotelli leaves the pitch without permission then he will be punished."